Norman Cleveland Cook

November 18, 1923 - August 26, 2020

Norman Cleveland Cook passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the age of 96. He was the devoted husband of the late Evelyn Kirkland Cook for over 60 years and the beloved father of N. Craig Cook (Jeanne Cook) and Carolyn Cook Gardner (Dr. Phil Gardner) of Mandeville. In addition to his children, he is survived by his treasured grandchildren, Jennifer Cook Vaccaro (Nick), N. Craig Cook, Jr. (Jamie), Jonathan Gardner (Corey), Ryan Cook, Matthew Gardner (Megan), William Gardner (Kristin) and Elizabeth Gardner, as well as seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his cherished grandson and best friend, Philip A. Gardner, Jr. Mr. Cook was a graduate of Warren Easton in New Orleans and following his graduation, enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940 and served his country in the 8th Air Force in England. He spent five years in the service serving with the 445th and 492nd B-24 bomb groups and was discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1945. Following his return home, he was in the first class to graduate from Tulane University under the GI Bill. He married Evelyn and they started their family in New Orleans. He then began his insurance career with the Louisiana Property Insurance Bureau. Over his 40-year career, he worked for several national insurance brokers and was a partner in the Sherar, Cook and Gardner Agency in Metairie. He could be found in his workshop restoring antiques into family heirlooms, traveling the world with his immediate and extended family, sitting on the front row of Tulane Summer Lyric performances, or making his legendary bananas foster into an art form for a table full of impressed guests. His children and grandchildren enriched his days, and he was always happy to spend time with them. He truly was interested in every aspect of their lives and well-being and was always ready to listen and provide sound advice. After moving to Covington to be closer to their family, he and Evelyn were instrumental in the Young at Heart program at First Baptist Church in Covington, where he painstakingly planned numerous memorable trips for the members to enjoy. He was blessed with unwavering faith in God and is undoubtedly in Heaven. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at First Baptist of Covington, 16333 Highway 1085, Covington, LA 70433 on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 11:00 AM with. Interment will follow the services in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. With COVID-19, restrictions social distancing and face mask are required to attend services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Cook and honoring his grandson may be made to Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics. Donations may be made at https://cureangelman.org/can/donate. The Cook family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.